Several years ago, Allan Lind and Tom Tyler wrote a book on the psychological antecedents and consequences of judgments of procedural fairness. The book, which can be purchased from Plenum Publishing or found in many academic libraries, reviewed the existing research on fairness judgments and concluded that:

Procedural justice judgments have profound effects on behaviors such as obedience to authority and acceptance of laws.

Procedural fairness judgments are often more powerful than outcomes in shaping reactions to groups and social authorities.

Procedures that promote feelings of inclusion in important groups, organizations, and social institutions are seen as fair.

The belief that procedures and process are fair is probably essential to the effective functioning of relationships, families, organizations, and governments.

To read more about procedural justice research, check out these books: